The Mavericks refused to give up. They lost 103-94, and dropped their first round series in fives games, but you've got to give them credit for fighting. Every time it looked like the Rockets were about to pull away, Dallas would force some turnover or get to the basket or do something to keep the game competitive.
Mavericks vs. Rockets final score, NBA playoffs 2015: 3 things we learned in Houston’s series-clinching win
The Rockets advance to the second round for the first time in six years.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
But in the end, the Mavericks had no answers. Not for James Harden, who had 28 points and eight assists. Not for Dwight Howard, who had 18 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks. Not for Josh Smith, who had 20 points and eight rebounds in 22 minutes on the court. And not for Terrence Jones, who had 15 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter to put the Mavericks away and end their season.
The Rockets have now advanced to the second round for the first time in six seasons. They'll play the winner of the Spurs-Clippers series and, with how they are currently playing, you'd be crazy to say they have no chance. We know all about Harden, but now Smith has found a groove and Howard looks healthy and spry.
Maybe the Rockets don’t quite have enough to make a deep run, but they’re certainly not going to make life easy for whoever they face next.
Here are three other things we learned in Tuesday night’s game.
1. Dwight Howard is almost back to his old self
His stats are mentioned above, but his impact goes deeper than those numbers. When healthy, Howard is a force, one capable of dominating games. He finally looks healthy again and now the Rockets look like a formidable team.
Check out what he does for the Rockets on the defensive end of the court. Houston held Dallas to 101.8 points per 100 possessions when Howard was on the floor this series, per NBA.com. That's right up there with Trevor Ariza for the top mark on the team. He's also been grabbing every rebound in sight, which helps the Rockets kickstart their fast break.
One trend worth monitoring: Howard has had some issues with committing fouls. Whether it’s the Clippers or the Spurs next round, Houston is going to need Howard on the court. We now know he’s capable of having an impact, and it’s going to be up to him to stay on the floor.
2. Josh Smith has found a home
Smith has been a godsend for the Rockets. He averaged 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 25.6 minutes per game against the Mavericks. He was able to carry Houston’s offense at times and, despite his awkward outside shot, has had no problem fitting into the Rockets’ offense.
Then again, maybe this shouldn't come as a huge surprise. Smith gets criticized a lot, and for good reason, but he's still an excellent passer and unique player. There aren't many guys his size who can do what he does. Between him, Terrence Jones, Trevor Ariza and Corey Brewer, the Rockets now have some good depth on the wing. That can only help going forward.
3. The Mavericks as we know them are done.
Dallas hasn't won a playoff series since their championship run in 2011, and the way things look now, that streak might not be broken for a long time. Rajon Rondo is certainly gone, and don't forget that acquiring him cost the Mavericks a first round pick. Monta Ellis has a player option and there's a good chance he'll exercise it. Tyson Chandler is a free agent, and seems to be in decline.
As for Dirk Nowitzki, well, who knows what he decides to do. He's 36 and has been in the NBA for around 213 years. It wouldn't be crazy for him to walk away. The Rick Carlisle-Dirk Nowitzki Era has been a great one for Dallas, and it also might have finally come to an end.
See More:
